The European Commission (European Union’s executive) decided today to postpone any action against EU member states for restricting gambling.

During the last year or two, bookmakers in different EU member states filed complaints with the European Commission against the restrictive national laws in some member states. Following these complaints, the European Commission considered to start proceedings against some member states.

However, there are increasing concerns within the EU's executive about starting proceedings against member states. On the one hand, 18 out of the 25 member states have already spoken out against EU harmonisation of gambling laws in the EU.

On the other hand, the European Commission itself has just commissioned a consultant to study gambling regulation in the EU. Complaint proceedings would prejudge the outcome of the study, according to some Commission sources.